All In Black

Get the look: Jacket and top: Express, leggings: Target, Boots, Joyce Leslie (similar)

A year ago, if you asked my to describe my style, I probably would have said feminine with a retro twist. I was big into fit and flair dresses with cute cardigans and tights. Lately though, I've been drawn to edgier looks, like this all black ensemble I wore out with some friends recently. This moto jacket from Express has been an almost everyday wear for me these last few weeks. It looks good over everything! A pair of leggings, a tunic, and boots, and that's been my general look lately. I got these boots from Joyce Leslie, they were inexpensive, but their quality reflects that. I've been browsing around Cataluna, they have a nice selection of wide calf boots, as well as tons of plus size clothing. I've never bought purchased from them, can anyone speak for the quality?

Shop my closet on Smashion!

Visit me on Facebook!

Oh, hey

Man oh man have I been a blogging slacker lately!! Big thanks to reader Jennifer for calling me out on it and getting me back here :) Things have been super crazy for me, being back in school full time. I forgot how much work being a student is! But, at least my hard work has paid off so far, I've got at least one A so far, and am expecting three more! Fingers crossed!

Get the look: Trousers: Target, Top: H&M (similar), Scarf: Target (similar), Heels: Nordstrom Rack (similar), Necklace H&M (similar), Watch: Michael Kors

So, though I haven't really been sharing I have been dressing myself, promise! I wore this to observe a 5th grade class at a local middle school. Slacks are not usually my thing, I never even wore them when I worked in an office, but this pair from Target were a great color and fit really well, and I know they'll get some good use once I'm in the classroom regularly.

It's funny, there are two complete opposites to my style at the moment. My everyday looks have been getting much more edgy - I've been leaning towards putting together outfits that are a lot of black; I'm obsessed with mixing different textures of black together. Also, I hardly ever wear jeans anymore, I'm always in leggings and tunics for some reason. On the other hand, I'm trying to figure out ways to put together "teacher chic" looks, as I like to call it. Even though I'll need to dress conservatively as a teacher, I'm figuring out how to do it in a fun way!

I haven't had a chance to take full outfit photos in a while, so expect a few Unblogged mirror picture posts in the next few days!

Shop my closet on Smashion!

Visit me on Facebook!

Bare

Oh la la, a day at the theater! It may have only been the black box theater at Rutgers, but I was very excited to go see "Bare: A Pop Opera" last Saturday with my friend Ashley. It may not have been Broadway, but anytime I go see a performance of any type I like to look nice! Seems a little silly doesn't it, being that you're sitting in the dark, but it must be the theater geek in me that wants to "respect the art." And hey, I had plans to get drinks after, so I needed to do double duty! Thankfully, Kiyonna had sent me this great top just a few days prior and it was just what I was looking for.

This is the Trina top in green, and I must say, it's another hit in my book. It's made of a thick, luscious stretch jersey, and is cut perfectly to accommodate a larger chest, even with the V-neckline. No pins needed, and I'm able to wear my everyday, lock-and-load 'em bra with nothing peeking out. The three-quarter sleeves are fitted and hit at the perfect spot just below my elbows - I hate loose sleeves on shirts and will push them up most of the time anyway, so this cut is right up my alley.  I also love how the shirt skims my body around the midsection; it doesn't cling one bit and is so, so flattering to my figure.

The Trina is simple and elegant, but so well constructed that it doesn't need any bells and whistles to look great. A pair of skinnies, a pretty necklace, and a pair of wedges and off I went!

Top: Kiyonna
Jeans: Forever21+
Heels: Target
Necklace: Thrifted

Bumble bee

Despite looking a bit like an angry stinging insect, I really have a thing for bright mustard paired with rich black. Case in point: this post from way back in 2010, and this instagram as well.

I decided to dress up this relatively feminine outfit with my knotted leather belt and rocker-ish boots to make it a little edgier. I like how it turned out!

Oh, and lookie lookie! I bought myself a new amber ring from Etsy to replace the stolen one (tear!), and also as a reward for losing 26lbs so far :D

Dress: H&M
Cardigan: Target
Teggings: Re/Dress
Boots: OneStopPlus
Belt: Forever21+
Necklace: Francesca's Collections
Rings: Amber ring, GoingBizerklee. hammered gold bands, MARYJOHN
Bracelets (from left): Greece, vintage via Brooklyn Flea, Ebay, flea market

Happiknits

Is there anything better, in the frosty days of winter, than a giant, warm, cozy scarf? (Hint: No.)

This particular beauty, the cobalt Super Snuggly Chunky Knit Cowl, comes from a fantastic little Etsy shop called Happiknits, run by fellow New Jerseyan (New Jerseyite?) Becca.

What I love most about this cowl (besides the fact that it's warm, soft, snuggly, and that it's just HUGE!) is the construction. Becca handknits these cowl in such a way that they're actually just one twisted loop. This is what makes the cowl drape so beautifully, so you get that effortless 'wrapped' look without having to do any wrapping or looping at all.

I love that depending on how you position the scarf you get a different look. My instagram above is the perfect example of that 'wrapped' look. I played around with the cowl in the pics below for a few other looks.

I pushed the twist to the back of my neck for a long, draped look in the front. Forget statement necklace, it's a statement all it's own!

The cowl is so huge that you can even pull it down around your shoulders on a chilly day, or if you work in an arctic office like I do. Twist in the front, see?

There's so many different ways to wear it; I pop it on and just fiddle until I like they way it's sitting! I've worn it nonstop in the last few weeks and always get a ton of compliments.

Contrary to my sad inside photos and instagram, the cobalt color is actually the gorgeously bright and saturated blue that Becca shows in her Etsy shop. This cowl comes in a ton of different colors too, like chartreuse, mustard, and the most beautiful cranberry red!

On to the good stuff. Want to get your hand on your own piece of Happiknits? Becca is hosting a giveaway of one of her cowls on her blog, check it out here!

Cowl: c/o Happiknits
Top: Target
Cardigan: Mom's
Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: misc
Shoes: Bandolino

Serpentine

I took these outfit pics over a span of about 10 minutes, and just look how much the light changed in that short span of time! I'm grateful for the beautiful sunshine we've had here for the last day or two, but man is it cold! I was hoping we'd keep a balmy 45 degrees around all winter, but no such luck.

This winter has been all about the sweaters for me. My mom gifted me some great stuff from TJ Maxx for Christmas, and though it didn't all fit, I'm not complaining because I picked up this awesome belted sweater with my store credit. I love the variation of the brown hues with the black, and also love how the solid black sleeves give it the look of a short sleeved sweater over a long sleeved shirt.

I was in the mood for some texture so instead of plain black leggings or jeans, I decided to pair the sweater with these flippin' awesome snake print leggings I picked up at Target a few weeks back. I love these so much! They're subtle enough that it just looks like a slight metallic sheen from far away, but up close you can really see the fantastic snake skin print.

Is there a staple you just can't stop wearing this winter? Boots? Hats?

Sweater: TJ Maxx
Top: H&M
Leggings: Target
Necklace: gifted
Bracelets, from left: bought in Greece, Brooklyn Flea
Boots: Evans

Adios, America!

It's vacation time!! Tomorrow I will be on a flight to Amsterdam, and a few days later on another one to my beloved Greece! I'll check in here and there and hopefully will even get an outfit post or two in, with a beautiful Mediterranean background of course! Until then, you stay classy San Diego!

Top: Forever21+
Jeans: Forever21+ 
Heels: Target
Necklace: (long) H&M, (short) Chrdesigns
Bracelets (from left): Syms,  Forever21, Forever21
Ring: Vintage, La Casita

It's the final countdown!

My laundry situation has been a bit dire as of late and I've been doing a lot of outfit repeats, which is why it's been a bit quiet as far as OOTD's go. Mom's in Greece at the moment so it's just been me and the old man at home. Any laundry I've gotten a chance to do has been dad's work clothes, so I happily said yes when he sent me to buy a few toddler outfits as a gift for a family member's kid. Old Navy was the perfect spot - good prices, plus I could browse for myself as well as the little one (can you blame me?).

Shopping for little kid's clothes is almost as much fun as shopping for myself! I had a blast picking out tiny little khakis and doll sized checkered button downs. That kid's gonna be best dressed on the block! This floral number caught my eye as I shopped and it couldn't have been a better match with these pink flower sandals.

Time has flown by and I find myself with just a week to go until vacation. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!!! Are you going/have you gone anywhere on vacation this summer?

Dress: Old Navy

Cardigan: Target

Sandals: Old Navy

Sunnies: Target

Ring: H&M

Bracelet: Monasteraki market, Athens, Greece

Necklace: Chrdesigns

Redo

Rushing to take pictures in crappy weather sure does no favors for the quality of my photos! But it's been a few days since I've gotten a chance to take some pics and I wanted to get these up for you all :)

You've seen this top from ASOS Curve before, and it's styled pretty similarly as well; I just changed up the jewelry and the shoes. I really want to pair the wrap top with a skirt but I have yet to find one that works. 'Til then, looks like this baby will continue to get the denim treatment!

Top: ASOS Curve
Jeans: Calvin Klein via Macy's
Sandals: Target
Necklace: Forever 21
Bracelet: Syms
Ring: Vintage via La Casita